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Area Code 281: Comprehensive Guide to Houston's Overlay Complex

Info: Area code 281 is integral to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), serving the bustling Houston, Texas metropolitan area. It works in conjunction with area codes 713, 832, and 346 to ensure ample phone number availability.

Technical Specifications

  • NPA Code: 281
  • Type: Overlay
  • Implementation Date: November 2, 1996
  • State: Texas

Geographic Coverage

Area code 281 covers the southeastern region of Texas, prominently including the Houston metropolitan area and its neighboring suburbs.

Major Cities

  • Alvin, Texas (29.42385, -95.2441)
  • Atascocita, Texas (29.99883, -95.1766)
  • Baytown, Texas (29.7355, -94.97743)
  • Channelview, Texas (29.77606, -95.11465)
  • Cloverleaf, Texas (29.77828, -95.17188)
  • Deer Park, Texas (29.70523, -95.12382)
  • Friendswood, Texas (29.5294, -95.20104)
  • South Houston, Texas (29.66301, -95.23549)
  • La Porte, Texas (29.66578, -95.01937)
  • League City, Texas (29.50745, -95.09493)
  • Mission Bend, Texas (29.69384, -95.66495)
  • Missouri City, Texas (29.61857, -95.53772)
  • Pasadena, Texas (29.69106, -95.2091)
  • Pearland, Texas (29.56357, -95.28605)
  • Rosenberg, Texas (29.55718, -95.80856)
  • Spring, Texas (30.07994, -95.41716)
  • Sugar Land, Texas (29.61968, -95.63495)
  • The Woodlands, Texas (30.15799, -95.48938)

Numbering Statistics

  • Total Numbers Available: Approximately 31 million
  • Utilization Rate: Data not specified
  • Exhaust Projection: Late 2025

Network Infrastructure

Major Carriers

  • AT&T
  • Verizon
  • T-Mobile
  • Sprint

Types of Services

  • Landline
  • Wireless
  • VoIP

Regulatory Framework

  • Regulatory Body: Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC)
  • Dialing Requirements: Ten-digit dialing is mandatory within the overlay region.
  • NANPA Regulations: Compliance with NANPA's overlay and numbering resource allocation guidelines.

Historical Milestones

  • 1947: Area code 713 established as one of the original Texas area codes.
  • 1983: Area code 713 split to create area code 409.
  • 1996: Area code 713 split to create area code 281.
  • 1999: Overlay of area codes 713 and 281 with area code 832.
  • 2014: Addition of area code 346 to the overlay complex.

Conclusion

Area code 281 is a vital part of Houston's telecommunications framework, supporting diverse services and adhering to regulatory standards. The overlay complex ensures a robust numbering system to meet the region's growing demands and technological progress.

For more detailed regulatory information, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas.